Description
Adapted from The Garden of Eden
If you’re looking to make a large quantity of pesto, follow this recipe: Large Batch Basil Pesto
Ingredients
For the pesto sauce:
- 3 to 4 cups herbs, such as basil, cilantro, parlsey, chives, etc., rinsed
- 1/4 cup nuts such as almonds, walnuts or pine nuts
- 2 cloves garlic
- juice of 1/2 lemon (1 to 2 tablespoons)
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated dry salty cheese such as Pecorino or Grana Padano or Parmigiano Reggiano
For the pasta:
- 1/2 lb. pasta, something like gemelli or orecchiette
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- 1/2 cup pasta cooking water
- Parmigiano Reggiano, for serving, optional
Instructions
- Make the pesto: Combine all ingredients in a food processor and purée until nicely blended. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Set aside.
- Make the pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season with a large pinch of salt. Cook pasta al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta cooking water before draining.
- Add 2 tablespoons of the pasta cooking liquid back into the pan. Place the pan over medium-high heat. Bring to a simmer and add 1/4 cup of the pesto. Stir with the water until blended. Add the pasta to the pan and stir/toss until the pasta is nicely coated. At this point, keep adding pesto to the pasta one tablespoon at a time, stopping when it tastes good to you.
- Serve pasta passing grated Parmigiano Reggiano on the side if desired.
Notes
To prevent discoloration when storing pesto, it is best to put a thin layer of olive oil over the pesto and then cover it.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Food Processor
- Cuisine: American, Italian
